Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

Gudmund R. Iversen

Analysis of variance is the name given to a collection of statistical methods used to analyze the impact of one or more nominal variables as independent variables on a quantitative variable as the dependent variable. For one nominal variable, there is one-way analysis of variance; for two nominal variables, there is two-way analysis of variance and so on for higher models. Data on several dependent variables can be analyzed using MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance). A study of the impact of gender and race on income could employ analysis of variance to see whether mean incomes in the various gender/racial groups are different. It would perhaps be better to use a name such as analysis of means for these methods, but variances are actually used to determine whether group means are different—thus the name. Analysis of variance has its origins in the study of data from experiments. Many of the ...

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This unique multi-volume reference set offers readers an all-encompassing education in the ways of social science researchers. Written to be accessible to general readers, entries do not require any advanced knowledge or experience to understand the purposes and basic principles of any of the methods. The Encyclopedia features two major types of entries: definitions, consisting of a paragraph or two, which provide a quick explanation of a methodological term; and topical treatments or essays, discussing the nature, history, application/example and implication of using a certain method. Also included are suggested readings and references for future study. To help provide a more complete explanation than is often achieved within the scope of a single article, key terms and concepts appear in small capital letters to refer readers to related terms explained elsewhere. In addition to epistemological issues that influence the nature of research questions and assumptions, The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods tackles topics not normally viewed as part of social science research methodology, from philosophical issues such as poststructuralism to advanced statistical techniques.